The addition of slots-style video lottery terminals, or VLTs, has reinvigorated Ohio's horse racing industry.
Ten years ago, Ohio was breeding the most standard bred mares used in harness racing in the nation. In 2003, Ohio had bred 2,591 mares but by 2010 the number fell to 688. It reached about 2,200 last year. The Akron Beacon Journal reports the change has been spurred by a 2011 state deal to allow the VLTs at racetracks. By later this year, Ohio will have seven racinos offering VLTs and horse racing. Ohio also has casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. The general manager of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association says the group's stallion directory has grown from about 40 pages two years ago to 128 pages with breeding stallions and advertisements.